Her co-star Antony Cotton said: "Just heard the news about Kirsty Howard, Manchester's most precious daughter. It was a privilege to have known her."

Queen Elizabeth II receives the Jubilee Baton from six-year old Kirsty Howard accompanied by British soccer player David Beckham during 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games opening ceremony 25 July 2002

During her short life she also overcame her illness to study childcare at college and was also a proud auntie before she died just a month after her 20th birthday.

Members of the public added to hundreds of online tributes.

Amanda Sweeney tweeted: "RIP #kirstyhoward such an inspirational and very strong brave young lady. You will be truly missed. Heaven has gained a true angel xx" and Karen Sutcliffe said: "So sad to hear Kirsty Howard has died. Such an inspirational young lady. My thoughts are with her family. #RIPKirsty."

Kirsty became the face of the charity appeal for Francis House Hospice, originally opened by Diana, Princess of Wales in 1991.

David Ireland, chief executive of the hospice, said: "Francis House had struggled to meet its running costs for many years. Kirsty's fundraising changed that and gave us a measure of security that allowed us to expand and develop our service.

"Hundreds of children, young people and their families owe a tremendous debt to the young lady whose face made Francis House a household name."